WORKING WITH AN INTERIOR DESIGNER
Television had created a number of distorted views of the interior design professional--sitcoms portray designers as over-priced individuals who create designs on a whim, while ordering all of the client’s personal belongings to be thrown out. The reality is that most interior designers carefully work with their clients to develop both a reasonable budget and a design that fits the home and the existing elements within the home. Here are some tips for selecting and working with a designer to create the most effective and efficient design for your home.

What is an interior designer?
An interior designer is a trained professional with a wide variety of knowledge in interior design concepts and finishes. The understand the various genres and styles of architecture, furnishings, wallcoverings, colours and fabrics, and have the ability to put these all together to create an atmosphere that truly reflects the personality of the client. Most professional designers belong to an association, such as the Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario (ARIDO), which helps them stay on top of emerging trends and requires certain standards of professionalism.

To achieve the best results, an interior designer must work closely with you, discussing your family’s daily activities, and working through your "wish list" of expectations for the project. You can choose to have the designer create a new look for just one room, or to develop a plan that will encompass your entire home. Often, clients will have a master plan, but only funds for one room at a time. Sharing this information with your designer will help him/her develop a strategy that can make the best use of available funds to help you reach your ultimate goal. In many cases designers use a mixture of older possessions with newer looks to create just the right look for you - after all, few people can afford to completely re-decorate their surroundings.

Some people believe that interior designers only work for the wealthy. In reality, however, a designer works on a variety of projects with a wide range of budgets. The designer may work as a consultant or specifier, or simply as a supplier of paint, furnishings and wallcoverings. Clients who start out with a budget in mind make the job easier for the designer who can then develop a plan to maximize the funds available.

Interior designers often provide both design consultation and product specification, which allows you to work with one supplier rather than having to seek out a number of reliable sources. Designers can specify and order a large selection of wall coverings, draperies, paints, accessories, floor coverings and furniture, using reputable suppliers and quality products. You save time and money and you make the best use of your designer’s expertise.

Thinking about making changes in your home? Consider using an interior designer to help you create a look - you’ll save time and money and enjoy the knowledge of a professional who can help you create the look of your dreams at a price you can afford.